Richarlison expressed a desire to leave Spurs during the summer transfer window but a return to Everton never materialised, while a proposed switch to Vasco da Gama fell through after Deadline Day in the UK.
As a result, the Brazilian has been exiled from the Tottenham first-team picture. Unable to play in Premier League games due to not being named in the 25-man squad, he will also not be considered for selection in the FA Cup in January - if he is still at the club.
Though, after making a shock appearance for Tottenham last week in the EFL Trophy away at fourth-tier Cheltenham, Richarlison has backed criticism of De Zerbi by Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.
“You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground,” Ferguson was quoted as saying on The Overlap Daily.
Richarlison shared those quotes on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, along with the caption: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”
As expected, De Zerbi was asked about that latest post from Richarlison when he addresses the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, ahead of Monday night’s must-win home clash with newly-promoted Coventry.
“It's not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem,” De Zerbi told reporters. “I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it's not my responsibility.
“I have not decided anything in this situation. If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office until 8.30am until the evening.